Meet baby Poppy who was born on Armistice Day

A mum paid a fitting tribute to the nation’s war heroes yesterday by calling her newborn baby girl Poppy as the nation fell silent to mark Armistice Day.

The bright red poppy has become the symbol of the annual day of remembrance, so new mum Lucy thought it would be the perfect inspiration for her new arrival, who was born at Royal Preston Hospital yesterday.

Poppy Martindale, born on Remembrance Day, to Thomas and Lucy Martindale

The 41-year-old from Cottam, Preston, said baby Poppy, who was born at 9.53am, weighing seven pound and two ounces, was also named after a relative who was also named after the symbolic flower and was also born on November 11.

And Lucy says if Poppy is half the woman her relative Poppy Hopkins, from Essex, was then she will be honoured.

She said: “We have called her Poppy for two reasons – it is Remembrance Day so it is a really nice touch to remember all the fallen soldiers and poppies are always associated with November 11.

“The other reason is that I knew a lovely lady who was also born on November 11 called Poppy.She was my cousin’s grandmother on the other side of the family. She was one of the kindest and nicest women I have ever met.

If my little Poppy is half the lady she was it will be an honour.

“She sadly passed away aged 85 two years ago.

“Despite not being my grandmother she was always there for us.

“If my little Poppy is half the lady she was it will be an honour.”

Lucy believes it is important to ensure that the youth of today continue to carry on traditions and remember our fallen heroes.

She said: “It is the best feeling in the world, I have a little boy, William, who is 19 months old.

“I think November 11 is such an important day.

“We will lose traditions unless we keep it alive. It is vitally important we recognise the people who sacrificed their lives for us.

“My great grandparents were involved in the war.

“I thought I was going to be due on the 11th and I thought of the name Poppy.

“My husband Thomas wasn’t keen at first.

“Then I mentioned it again and he said he really liked it.

“It has grown on him and now he is over the moon.”

n See pages 12 and 13 for a spread of events from remembrance services around the county